AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH - ARKANSAS MINORITY HEALTH COMMISSION APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2026-2027 FISCAL YEAR.

Arkansas minority health funding with staffing limits

Beginning July 1, 2026, the law funds the Arkansas Minority Health Commission through June 30, 2027. It provides $211,174 for operations: $148,532 for salaries, $49,958 for payroll-related costs, $12,184 for operating expenses, and $500 for travel. It also provides $25,949 from state treasury cash funds chosen by the Chief Fiscal Officer. The Commission can have no more than three regular employees: one director, one health program coordinator, and one media specialist. At the Commission’s request, the Chief Fiscal Officer must create a promotional-items budget line, which starts with no funding. Transfers from operating funds require processing by that officer and prior approval from the Arkansas Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee. This transfer authority ends June 30, 2027, and does not become permanent law. If the approval requirement is ruled unconstitutional, the entire promotional-items section fails. Spending must follow state purchasing, budgeting, salary, and fiscal rules and serve the act’s stated purposes. The funding supports agency operations, not direct household payments.